Bike lock test 2022

Chain locks, U-locks, folding locks – which one is really safe and prevents theft of a bicycle or e-bike? We present you with an overview of the current recommendations from Stiftung Warentest and Cycling Weekly.

Bicycle locks: All test winners and recommendations at a glance

Price tip: Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L (chain lock)

advantages

• Good security
• Flexible

disadvantage

• Replacement keys cannot be reordered

The French manufacturer and retailer Decathlon has a great price hit in its range under one of its numerous own brands: the chain lock Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L costs only 35.99 euros and was able to convince the Stiftung Warentest (issue 05/2021).

With an overall rating of 1.9 (“good”), the Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L is on par with significantly more expensive models from Axa, Kryptonite and Abus. The important point “anti-theft security” was rated with the sub-grade 1.6 (“good”), in the pollutant test it was even enough for an exemplary 1.2 (“very good”). At 1.76 kg, it is also comparatively light for a chain lock. A small disadvantage: while other manufacturers can order replacement keys using a code, this is not possible with the Decathlon B’Twin 900 Chain L. After all, 3 keys are included in the scope of delivery – it is best not to lose them.

Stiftung Warentest winner: Abus Granit Plus 640 (U-lock)

advantages

• Good security
• Well made

disadvantage

• Inflexible (rigid construction)

The Abus Granit Plus 640 won the test in the U-locks category at Stiftung Warentest (issue 05/2021): overall rating 2.0 (“good”), sub-grade 1.8 (“good”) in the discipline of anti-theft security. There was also praise for the durability, i.e. protection against corrosion or the stability of the key. But: The Abus Granit Plus 640 can only be used to a limited extent due to its rigid construction, as is the case with U-locks. As a test winner, it should also be extremely popular, which in turn means that it is often sold out in stores or has long delivery times.

Stiftung Warentest winner: Kryptonite Kryptolok 685 (folding lock)

advantages

• Good security
• Flexible

disadvantage

• Bracket could be better

From the US manufacturer kryptonite does that come Crypto locomotive 685. It is a folding lock that can be unfolded and folded again like a customs rule. It combines a compact design with a certain flexibility – ideally, a folding lock can also reach around posts or bars that cannot be reached with a padlock.

The Stiftung Warentest (issue 05/2021) awards an overall grade of 1.9 (“good”). However, there are also a few critical customer voices on Amazon who complain about the quality of the plastic bracket for the bicycle frame.

Cycling Weekly test winner: Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 (alarm lock)

advantages

• Integrated alarm tone deters thieves

disadvantage

The magazine Cycling Weekly chose that Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 to the test winner (issue 02/2021) and awards the rating “9 out of 10 points”. At first glance it looks like a normal U-lock, but the name already gives it away: This bicycle lock emits a loud alarm as soon as a thief tampers with it. The integrated motion sensor is activated when the lock is locked – so the owner should also be a bit careful when unlocking it so as not to accidentally trigger the alarm. The battery (lithium CR2) can only be removed when it is unlocked.

In Germany, the Oxford Alarm-D Pro 320 is a little hard to come by in stores – but there are numerous technically comparable alternatives, such as the Abus SmartX 770A (padlock) or the Abus SmartX Bordo 6000A (folding lock).

Bicycle locks 2022: This is how I selected the recommendations

For this summary, I incorporated my own experiences and research in specialist journals. Bicycle locks will be presented that have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for purchase. The procedure used by Stiftung Warentest is detailed on the relevant website explained. Sources used: Stiftung Warentest (Edition 05/2021), Cycling Weekly (Issue 02/2021, available from Readly)

Buying a bike lock: hints and tips

Pollutants in bicycle locks

The Stiftung Warentest found in some of the components of bicycle locks harmful pollutants above the applicable EU limit values. These include plasticizers or naphthalene (harmful to health and dangerous to the environment). The corresponding models were devalued accordingly and are not recommended by me at this point. An example is the New York Lock Fahgettaboudit Mini from the well-known manufacturer Kryptonite: It is particularly break-proof – but also heavily contaminated.

spare key

Almost all bicycle locks come with several keys. If you need more or have lost a key, you can usually request a replacement directly from the manufacturer.

This works about the enclosed key cards (Code Card), which carry a corresponding code, which is required for reordering. At Abus you give this to the Online key service a. The desired number of spare keys will then be sent to your home by post after you have placed your order. Too bad: According to Stiftung Warentest, such a repeat order for the above-mentioned B’Twin chain lock from Decathlon is not possible.

Bike theft: Varies by region

How many bicycles (or pedelecs) are stolen in a community or city and whether your own bike is among them – that depends on countless factors: How high is the “bike density”? How good are the parking facilities (monitored or free)? According to the statistics, Leipzig was particularly badly affected in 2019, while Hamburg was less affected (converted to 100,000 inhabitants):

Police tips

In your Leaflet “Securing bikes properly” The police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government has put together how you can best lock bicycles, pedelecs and the like. It also includes other tips on coding and locating data that can help police after a theft. The most important rule of thumb should definitely be remembered: Always ride a bike connectnot just complete!

Two bicycle locks ensure more security

“Since bicycle thieves often specialize in one type, you should buy your bike with one second lock type connect and close. This is another way of hailing thieves the spirit of optimism,” says the NRW regional association of the General German Bicycle Club. Of course, this tip also means a little more time, because at each stopover both locks have to be attached and later unlocked again. Since the second lock is mainly intended to frustrate bike thieves, you can use a light and easy-to-use model that complements the heavy “main lock”. Also conceivable: the good old one frame lockwhich has proven itself as a permanently installed “basic security”.

E-bike lock: what is that supposed to be?

During my research, I came across the term “e-bike chain lock” (e.g. in the Aldi Süd brochure). Of course, the question arises as to what the technical difference to a conventional bicycle lock should be. I wrote to the manufacturer Prophete about this, but received no answer. The first assumption is that an “e-bike lock” could be a particularly secure bicycle lock to protect expensive pedelecs accordingly.

In fact, when completing a E-bike insurance on the conditions eighth: Sometimes namely a certain Price range or security level required for insurance to cover e-bike thefts.

We present the best e-bikes to you in our Purchase advice in front:

bike stolen? The insurance pays!

Even the best bicycle lock can only slow down thieves, but not stop them permanently. In the case of valuable bikes (racing bikes, e-bikes, cargo bikes, etc.), it is therefore advisable to choose a suitable one when you buy it bicycle insurance to complete. Depending on the provider, around 5-20 euros per month are due. The insurance companies then step in in all possible situations: Refund if the bike is stolen, reimbursement in the event of theft of luggage and accessories, reimbursement in the event of theft of the e-bike battery, reimbursement of repair costs – even a single day of bad luck can quickly recoup the insurance costs of several months. A good overview of the services with The Check24 platform offers bicycle insurance price comparisons.

Lock picking: what’s the use of a lockpick?

No matter how thick the shackle or the chain is: What if the thief is a gifted “lock picker” and tries to get at the lock with a pick? According to the investigation by Stiftung Warentest none of the 20 bicycle locks in the test (issue 05/2021) are vulnerable to this type of attack. That sounds good, but there is a small catch: In the tests, there were only a maximum of 3 minutes to crack – if a thief has significantly more time, success is quite conceivable.